We at Wells Pharmacy Labs enjoy time in the sun as much as anyone, but also know that too much of a good thing may lead to problems. Sun-damaged skin may manifest in various ways, including wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and texture irregularities. However, there are several common treatments available to possibly address sun damage and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

1. Topical Antioxidants

Applying topical antioxidants, such as vitamin C (Also known as Ascorbic acid), vitamin E (sometimes called tocopherol), and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), could help protect the skin from further sun damage and promote skin repair.

These antioxidants perform many functions in the skin: they neutralize free radicals caused by sun exposure, encourage collagen synthesis, aid in healing, and support the immune system. They may help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, promote a more youthful and radiant appearance, and protect the skin against environmental damage.

2. Hyaluronic Acid

This molecule may help sun-damaged skin in several ways. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant; it attracts and retains moisture. When applied topically or used in skincare products, it may help replenish the skin’s hydration levels, improving its overall moisture balance and restoring a healthy, supple appearance, but also banishing dryness and dullness, and plumping the skin to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Hyaluronic acid may also promote the health of the skin’s barrier function, support its repair processes, encourage collagen production, and soothe irritation caused by exposure to the sun.

3. Vitamin D

Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Dietary Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining overall skin health and supporting the body’s natural processes of repair and rejuvenation, but it may also be used topically as part of skincare treatments.

4. Topical Retinoids

Prescription retinoids or over-the-counter retinol creams may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, promote skin cell turnover, and improve skin texture. They stimulate cellular turnover, promoting the shedding of damaged skin cells and encouraging the growth of new, healthier cells. Retinoids also may boost collagen production, helping to restore the skin’s elasticity and firmness, and aid in reducing discoloration caused by sun damage.

5. DMAE

DMAE, short for dimethylaminoethanol, is a compound that naturally occurs in small amounts in the brain and other bodily tissues. It is believed to work by increasing the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in muscle tone and contraction. As a result, DMAE is thought to have a firming and tightening effect on the skin, helping to improve the appearance of sagging or loose skin, and providing a more toned and lifted look.

6. Prescription Medications

In some cases, dermatologists may prescribe medications, such as hydroquinone or corticosteroids, to address specific concerns associated with sun damage, such as hyperpigmentation or inflammation.

7. Our Own Proprietary Formulations

The treatments above all act in different ways to possibly help your skin after excessive sun exposure. However, as a compounding pharmacy, we may provide specially formulated treatment creams designed to target the different areas of sun damage. For brown spots and other hyperpigmentation, there is our Hydroquinone/Vitamin D formula that may help diminish spots. To possibly enhance skin firmness and reduce fine lines, there is an Estriol/DMAE/Hyaluronic Acid cream, and to possibly hydrate and tighten the skin, a combination of Ascorbic Acid/CoQ10/DMAE/Estriol/Tretinoin.

No one needs to suffer unnecessarily from the effects of too much sun. For treatment of your sun-damaged skin, look to us for expertly-formulated treatments produced with care and precision to target multiple signs of damage, heal your skin, and give you back your confidence.